memory doesn't add up, out of memory error

I frequently get the error (since about 3 weeks ago) "Close programs to avoid loss of information". I have 7.5GB hdd space free on my c: drive.
I have 4MB RAM. In the task manager, all the processes RAM adds up to about 1.1 GB. But in the performance tab, it says:
Memory used 2.64GB
Physical memory:
Total 3068
Cached 1268
Free 3
Kernel Memory:
Total 203
Paged 144
Nonpaged 58
System:
Handles: 41222
Threads: 1319
Processed: 99
Page File: 3239M/3333M.

As I said, the problem started 3 weeks ago. I have only my browser and one IDE open. Over the last two years I could easily have 2 browsers and 3IDES open, and be watching a movie/listening to music.

thnks

Welcome

With 32 bit the most you can use is about 2 or 3 GB of memory.
Since you say that this is a new problem, lets take a memory test to see if it leads anywhere.
ttp://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/246994-guide-to-using-memtest86/

In addition take this hard drive test
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools

When you say how much ram that you have I think that you put down MB, when you meant GB

You're hdd is woefully short of free space and that could definitely cause the problem.

I'll also toss in maybe even do a system restore bacvk 3 weeks if you installed updates or new programs.

I've seenh this with bad MS Updates.